HSE confirm consultants were paid €90 million back pay for signing up!
When researching the Drivetime slot on pharmacies yesterday, it was brought to my attention that the HSE had just paid out €90 million to medical consultants over the last few weeks. I just did not believe it. When respite beds are being cut in Cherry Orchard, while hospital wards are closed, when mileage is being restricted for essential care for public health nurse and homehelps, as staff on sick and maternity leave are not being replaced, the Minister thought it a good idea to deliver the ‘sweetener’ promised to consultants. Unbelievable.
Maybe but true. It was confirmed to me late afternoon by HSE press office.
When, Harney and HSE chiefs were doing a hard sell on the VERY bad value for money new consultants contract, they promised consultants who signed up by September/October 08, that they would get paid their new, much higher salaries back paid to June 2008. It was estimated at the time that this would cost €168 million.
In these tighter financial times, it was decided not to give the back pay to June 2008 but instead to January 2009. This is the €90 million that the HSE just paid out.
SaraBurke.com 
Thank you for having the courage to provide a bit of moral leadership at a time when it is sorely needed.
Also, I would like to get involved in a Health Service Action Group, but I don’t know where to begin – most of them seem to be rather “ad hoc” and fragmented. Have you any suggestions? (I live in Cork city.)
Keep up the good work.
Anyone with contacts for health service action groups in Cork might post them here for Kevin and others who may be interested…
Thanks